A UNESCO world heritage the Basilica of Bom Jesus church in Goa is a prominent tourist attraction. The church attracts a lot of pilgrims mainly to Old Goa where it is located. Old Goa was the capital of Goa during the Portuguese rule in the early days. Bom Jesus means Good or Holy Jesus and it was the name used in Portuguese colonization for Ecce Homo. The church holds a lot of significance mainly for being a Minor basilica which is also the first Jesuit church in India. The church is admired for its architecture that’s baroque in style.
The construction work on the church began in 1594 and it was consecrated in 1605. The Bom Basilica church is today considered as a world heritage monument. It is considered as a landmark in the history of Christianity. The church is said to comprise of paintings that showcase the scenes from the life of St Xavier’s life. The tomb above which is seated a silver casket contains the body of St. Francis Xavier preserved since 1696. The grand duke of Tuscany gifted it.
The mausoleum
Giovanni Battista Foggini was the 17th century sculptor who designed the mausoleum. The mausoleum took a decade to complete. The body of St Francis Xavier is preserved within a casket that’s made of silver. Once in ten years the casket is opened for public viewing. The church attracts massive crowd and a lot of pilgrims who pay their visit from different corners of the world. The casket is opened commemorating the Saints death anniversary.
This 408 years old Bom Basilica is open to public every day. There are adequate photographs that showcase the well-kept body of Saint Francis Xavier. Thereare photographs that showcase the detailed images of the interiors and inside of the church. The detailed photographs offer the viewers a clear image of the art work and the intricate work of architecture made use of in the making of the church.
The murals and paintings
The art work, images and murals are absolutely captivating. The church stands majestically when seen from outside. It has been well maintained and is still active holding masses on special occasions and regular Sunday services. The church service timings for other days can be checked in the church premises.
A beautiful inside courtyard adds to the appeal of the beautiful Basilica. The quietude and the peaceful ambience make the church more than just a holy place. The certain niceties about the Bom Basilica are hard to pen down in words. On the upper level of the church facing the tomb is the art gallery of the Bom Basilica church that houses the paintings of a Goan Surrealist painter- Dom Martin. The gallery attracts tourists especially art connoisseurs. The Basilica has been a subject to mention evening he writings of Author Anthony De Mello who was also a Jesuit.